US, UK and Norway urge end to blockades in eastern Sudan

So-called Troika countries back civilian-led transitional government in calling for political talks to resolve protests

Thousands of Sudanese have rallied in the capital of Khartoum against the country's military and demanding the formation of new civilian transitional authorities (AP)

The US, UK and Norway called for an end to blockades of port and transportation infrastructure in eastern Sudan on Friday.

The so-called Troika countries in a joint statement backed the civilian-led transitional government in urging political talks to resolve protests in the east that they said risk damaging Sudan‘s economy and its people.

“Political leaders in eastern Sudan should take up their government’s offer to address their grievances through meaningful political dialogue rather than engaging in action that serves only to harm the national economy,” the statement said.

Members of eastern Sudan‘s Beja tribes have blocked roads and forced Red Sea ports to close in recent weeks in protest at what they say is the region’s lack of political power and its poor economic conditions.

Sudan is about to run out of essential medicine, fuel and wheat after political protests forced the closure of Port Sudan, the main port in the east of the country, the cabinet said on Sunday.

“While recognising that this is an internal issue, the Troika urges the international community to support fully the efforts of the Sudanese government to resolve this matter and to end the ongoing blockades,” their statement said.

The governments of the US, UK and Norway signed the 2020 Juba peace agreement in a signal of political support for the deal, which was regarded as a breakthrough in a conflict that pitted pro-government militias and troops against mostly non-Arab rebels.

Reuters